How Babson Helped Duruo Murray ’21 Develop His Authentic Self

Duruo Murray '21
Listen

Duruo Murray ’21 grew up in a Brooklyn community that wasn’t diverse.

Whether it was due to his sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion, he felt alone. And, knowing that feeling, he made a commitment to himself that he would never want to let anyone be in that same position.

“If someone needs someone there,” Murray said, “I want to be that person.”

After developing and honing this outlook on life as a student leader at Babson College, Murray, a graduate of the battle-tested Class of 2021, now strives to bring this mindset into his professional journey, with ambitions to innovate in a space that greatly needs it.

Finding Himself

Murray attended Babson on a Posse Foundation scholarship, a member of the 14th cohort to graduate from the College. Through this partnership, students are recruited from a pool of more than 3,000, and graduate at a rate of 97%.

“This was the place I needed to be,” he said. “Not only has it allowed me the opportunity to explore the entrepreneurial side of me, but also develop as a person.”

Attending Babson led Murray to realize he was there for a reason. As a Black, Muslim, and transgender man, he said the support system from friends, staff, and faculty at the institution strengthened his confidence. It’s also what sets the College apart, he says.

“Babson is where I have officially been able to become my authentic self,” he said. “I don’t think I could have gotten that if I went anywhere else.”

Murray rapidly rose to leadership positions at both Babson Pride and Babson Origins of Necessary Equality (ONE), the latter of which has its own residence hall where Murray lived for a year and a half.

At Lavender Graduation, where Murray received the 2021 Undergraduate Pride Award, he was introduced by his peer Britney Aguayo ’21, who described him as a “courageous trailblazer, selfless changemaker, and role model to us all.”

“(Murray) has gone out of his way, every chance he gets, to support everyone around him,” she said. “His work and his shear existence on this campus over the last four years has made Babson a more inclusive and representative environment for LGBTQ+ students.”

Babson’s Multicultural and Identity Programs, including Lavender Graduation, MLK Jr. Legacy Day, and the Student of Color sendoff, encourage students not only to explore and develop their own identities but also to engage with the institution’s diverse community.

“By having a college which emphasizes diversity and inclusion, it offers a sense of security and support,” Murray said.

The Benefits of Being Open Minded

While his immediate plans involve joining State Street as a senior associate, Murray hopes to one day start a business in the fashion industry, in addition to a nonprofit supporting LGBTQ+ teenagers.

“A lot of people may not have the support of their friends and school communities,” he said. “There are some points where you don’t know where to turn to.”

“Babson is where I have officially been able to become my authentic self. I don’t think I could have gotten that if I went anywhere else.”

Duruo Murray '21

The road to equality begins with being open minded, he says. And, Murray is ready to lead by example.

“As a society, we need to realize we won’t get anywhere if we continue to display hate, if we continue to not see different perspectives,” he said. “Be willing to have conversations, whether they’re uncomfortable, whether you disagree. If you want to get somewhere, you have to listen.

“Receiving the Pride Award was an amazing honor, but my work is not done.”

Posted in Community, Entrepreneurial Leadership

More from Community »

Latest Stories

Collage of four photos depicting Babson teams celebrating
Keeping Score: A Look at Babson Athletics’ Success by the Numbers From national and conference championships to academic achievements, Babson’s student-athletes continue to post impressive statistics. Here is a look at the numbers behind Babson Athletics’ successes.
By
Eric Beato
Editor / Writer
Eric Beato
Eric Beato is the Editor of Babson Thought & Action and Babson Magazine. A native of Chicago and a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, Eric has worked as an editor and writer at newspapers across the country, including the Chicago Sun-Times and Boston Herald. Eric joined Babson College in 2019 after working as the communications director for a private educational travel company and as the managing editor of six regional sports publications.
July 2, 2025

Posted in Community

A clear tip jar with cash sits on a counter
What Ending Taxes on Tips Could Mean for Workers and Tippers Babson thought leaders on tax policy explain how a federal proposal that includes eliminating taxes on tips might reshape the tipping economy.
By
Hillary Chabot
Writer
Hillary Chabot
Hillary Chabot is a writer for Babson Thought & Action and Babson Magazine. An award-winning journalist, she is known for her insightful reporting and dedication to detailed storytelling. With a career spanning over two decades, she has covered a wide range of topics, from presidential campaigns and government policy to neighborhood issues and investigative series. As a reporter for The Boston Herald, Hillary earned a reputation for tenacity and integrity. Her work at Babson College fuels her passions—to learn something new every day and conduct thoughtful, empathic interviews. She’s thrilled to be at Babson College, where students, faculty, staff members and classes provide compelling copy daily.
July 1, 2025

Posted in Insights

Members of the Babson community behind a Pride banner at the parade
Passion and Pride: How the Office of Belonging and Inclusion Supports the LGBTQ+ Community Babson’s participation in the Boston Pride Parade caps a busy and productive year of support for the LGBTQ+ community by the Office of Belonging and Inclusion, as it advances the College’s commitment to Inclusive Excellence.
By
Hillary Chabot
Writer
Hillary Chabot
Hillary Chabot is a writer for Babson Thought & Action and Babson Magazine. An award-winning journalist, she is known for her insightful reporting and dedication to detailed storytelling. With a career spanning over two decades, she has covered a wide range of topics, from presidential campaigns and government policy to neighborhood issues and investigative series. As a reporter for The Boston Herald, Hillary earned a reputation for tenacity and integrity. Her work at Babson College fuels her passions—to learn something new every day and conduct thoughtful, empathic interviews. She’s thrilled to be at Babson College, where students, faculty, staff members and classes provide compelling copy daily.
June 27, 2025

Posted in Community